IMF chief's Paris flat searched over Tapie compensation case-lawyer

International Monetary Fund managing director Christine Lagarde
International Monetary Fund managing director Christine Lagarde

French authorities have searched the Paris flat of IMF chief Christine Lagarde.

The move came as part of an investigation into her handling of a 2008 compensation payment to a businessman supporter of ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy, said her lawyer.

Police are investigating claims that Ms Lagarde, when finance minister under Sarkozy, acted illegally in approving the €285 million arbitration payout to Bernard Tapie. She denies any wrongdoing.

“This search will help uncover the truth, which will contribute to exonerating my client,” said Ms Lagarde’s lawyer, Yves Repiquet. – (Reuters)

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter